This is an exceptionally standard gel cleanser that is suitable for its intended skin types. The basic, fragranced formula removes makeup and rinses cleanly. There isn’t much else to say, other than that the formula would be better if it were fragrance- and colorant-free.

Weaknesses: Several boring formulas; no products to treat breakouts or lighten skin discolorations; problematic toners; disappointing self-tanners; the anti-cellulite products are a joke.

Nivea is a globally known brand owned by Beiersdorf, the same company behind department-store brand La Prairie and drugstore mainstay Eucerin. Among those three brands, Nivea's product selection is the weakest (which isn't saying much, because none of these lines have much of anything to offer skin). For Nivea, uninspired formulas abound, presenting limited options unless you have normal to dry skin, and even those have exceptionally inelegant formulas. The enduring popularity of this line has more to do with advertising and perhaps tradition (it has been around a long time) than with what any researcher would consider state-of-the-art.

In mid-2010 Nivea re-launched most of their Visage (facial care) products on the web site drugstore.com. These products present a few well formulated, inexpensive options that are worth your attention.For more information about Nivea, owned by Beiersdorf, call (800) 227-4703 or visit www.nivea.com.

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